Originating from the Sheridan Jones collection, this early #37 Jim Donaly Redfin Minnow, finished in bright green back white belly with red accents, comes in its extremely rare picture box with large fold out paper. The extraordinary 5" x 2 1/4" box retains its full wrap-around label including the lure illustrated top and both end flaps, each marked with Redfin No. 37. With only the word "Sample" penciled lightly (most likely by Sheridan Jones himself), minor wear/soiling, and including the Sheridan R. Jones collection stamp on the interior of the lid, about Ex-. The lure appears unfished, good white iris glass eyes, all three metal flashers and bold red hand painted gill marks, shiny Ex with the exception of one small nose flake. The complete package includes the extremely rare picture paper, nearly 13 3/8" x 4 3/4" when open, depicting illustrations of four Redfin Minnows, each representing a different finish, and the Floating Bait, as well as "the method of attaching belly hook to patented snaphook connection", grading Ex-/Ex with light wear, bends, a couple small punctures and a bit of age discoloration. Pictured on page 68 of "The Life and Legend of Sheridan R. Jones", this complete combination is perhaps the finest known example - we are unaware of another in this overall condition.

From the Sheridan Jones Collection.

Referred to as "America's pioneering outdoor writer", Sheridan Jones (1881-1958) was certainly one of the most respected and prolific angling writers of his era. Many of the lures offered in this auction, where noted, were personally owned by Jones. Several were given to the esteemed author and outdoor writer for his professional opinion, others as gifts by lure makers vying for his favor. Stated best by author Joseph Hilko in his 2010 book The Life and Legend of Sheridan R. Jones: "Jones' legacy as an educator, naturalist, professional writer and world-class angler is worthy of remembrance today".